Minister for Defence, Dr Omane Boamah, has unfortunately passed away in a tragic helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region today.

Per reports reaching The Independent Ghana, the Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, has also passed away.

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) earlier reported that its airforce helicopter. Z9 that took off this morning at 0912 hrs from Accra and headed for Obuasi is currently off the radar.

Eight people were on board—3 crew members and 5 passengers.

"All efforts are being made to establish contact," the Ghana Armed Forces announced in a statement

Last year, a Ghana Air Force helicopter crash-landed in Bonsokrom, within the Ahanta West Municipality in the Western Region.

Eyewitnesses reported that the helicopter, which was reportedly carrying 14 individuals, including staff from the Petroleum sector regulators, landed in a bush near the Bonsokrom community.

Despite the alarming nature of the incident, all personnel and crew onboard the aircraft were safe.

“All passengers on board have been accounted for and there were no fatalities. However, they have been evacuated and are currently undergoing routine medical checkups," the Ghana Armed Forces indicated in a statement.

The crash site was cordoned off from public access by Air Force personnel.

Profile of Defense Minister

Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah is a prominent Ghanaian politician, medical doctor, and Health Policy Planning and Financing Analyst with a rich background in strategic negotiation, solution-oriented leadership, environmental security and ICT including cybersecurity.

He possesses a strong educational foundation from esteemed institutions, including the University of Ghana Medical School, the London School of Economics and Political Science, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Harvard University.

His diverse educational background empowers him to merge his medical expertise with a deep understanding of financial planning and strategic analysis when solving complex challenges.

Dr. Omane Boamah has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in various key roles. As Minister for Communications and Spokesperson for the President of Ghana, he championed several vital cybersecurity initiatives including Child Online Protection and led the rollout of the Government of Ghana's 4G LTE network (GOTA) which provides enhanced communication capabilities for security agencies.

As a former Civilian Employee of the Ministry of Defence, he has an unwavering commitment to national and human security. His innovative thinking and excellent negotiation skills, positions him as a forward-thinking leader, ready to address the complexities of modern security challenges and an advocate for the institution's dignity and well-being of service women and men.

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